How to File a Confirmation Statement

Categories Company FormationsPosted on
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If you’re a business owner, you’ll have to file a confirmation statement! This article defines what a confirmation statement is — and how to submit one.

All companies MUST complete a confirmation statement — whether they are a limited company in a remote UK village, or use a registered office address in London.

What Is a Confirmation Statement?

Each year, limited companies and LLPs must file a confirmation statement at Companies House. The confirmation statement of a limited company discloses details of its directors and shareholders, while the statement of an LLP discloses the details of its members.

Essentially, a confirmation statement is a document that “confirms the details” of a company’s relevant members. Even dormant and non-trading companies have to file a statement, at least once a year, to ensure their details are correctly recorded and updated at Companies House.

Every eligible company will get a reminder two weeks before they have to file a confirmation statement. The company must return this completed statement within 14 days of the due date. You only have to pay a confirmation statement fee once — even though you’re entitled to file as many confirmation statements as you wish.

NOTE: The swiftest way to file a confirmation statement is online.

How to File a Confirmation Statement

When it comes to filing your confirmation statement, make a note of the following:

Check Your Details Are Correctly Recorded

Before you file a confirmation statement, you need to check and confirm your company’s details are correct on the Companies House website. Ensure you update your records if any information is incorrect or outdated. You must notify Companies House of the following:

A change of director or secretary
Changes to People With Significant Control (PSC)
Changes to the company’s registered office address

What if Nothing Has Changed?

You must still file a confirmation statement even if no changes have occurred during the review period. The statement will confirm your records are up-to-date records and Companies House has the correct information.

When Is the Review Period?

You must file at least one confirmation statement every 12 months. The 12 month review period begins on either the date your company was incorporated or the date you filed your last confirmation statement.

For example:
Your new company is incorporated on 1 January 2020.
Your review period will start on 1 January 2020 and will end on 31 December 2020.

NOTE: Failure to file your statement within 14 days of the end of your review period could result in prosecution for your company and its officers. Your company could also be crossed off the register!

What if You File a Confirmation Statement Early?

You’re allowed to file a confirmation statement at any time during your review period. If you submit a confirmation statement early in the year, then a new 12 month review period will begin.

Here’s an example:
Your new company is incorporated on 1 January 2020.
Your company files a confirmation statement on 30 September 2020. Your next review period will start on 1 October 2020 and will end on 30 September 2021.

How Much Does It Cost?

The annual fee for filing a confirmation statement online is £13 and it costs £40 to send a paper form to Companies House.

When Is the Payment Period?

The payment period is when your annual fee is due and is separate from the review period. A payment period occurs every 12 months from:

The date of your company incorporation (newer companies)

The date of your last annual fee payment (older companies)

You only need to pay the annual fee with your first confirmation statement in the 12 month payment period. You can subsequently file as many confirmation statements as you would like during this payment period.

NOTE: Your payment period cannot be changed.

Here’s an example:
Your company’s payment period begins on 1 January 2020 and ends on 31 December 2020.
If you file your statement on 30 September 2020, you have to pay the fee. If another statement is filed on 1 December 2020, you needn’t pay again.
If you file a confirmation statement on 5 January 2021, you have to pay the fee since it’s a new payment period.

Filing a Confirmation Statement Online

You can use the help and advice of a company formations company or go directly to the Companies House website and sign-in to their web filing system. You’ll need a password and authentication code. If you don’t have these, follow the online link to sign up.

And that’s the basics when it comes to filing a confirmation statement. Take note of the important review and payment dates to avoid being penalised, and keep your company details regularly updated.

Do you need to file a confirmation statement but don’t know where to begin? Our dedicated and friendly team will advise you every step of the way! Contact Mint Formations today and find out more.

Want to register your UK limited company today?


Raj co-founded Mint Formations with business partner Andy Tree in 2017. Mint formations is established to nurture small UK businesses and enable exciting new opportunities for quick growth. As a successful entrepreneur, Raj knows how to start and run a business. He currently resides as a board member of seven successful companies across the world. He is best known for founding Integra Global Solutions, specialists in robotics, automation, and business process optimisation.